Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell Disease ( 15 Questions)
The nurse is concerned about potential complications.
Which additional clinical manifestations should the nurse assess for?
"I've been having vision problems lately." Rationale: Vision problems are not directly associated with complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) SCD primarily affects the blood and vascular system, leading to symptoms such as anemia, pain crises, and organ damage. Vision problems may be caused by other underlying conditions, but they are not a typical manifestation of SCD complications.
"I've had delayed growth in my child." Rationale: Delayed growth in a child could be associated with SCD, as it may be a result of chronic anemia and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. However, it is not a direct clinical manifestation of complications. Other more common complications, such as pain crises, acute chest syndrome, or organ damage, should be assessed first to determine the extent of the disease's impact on the patient's health.
"I had a stroke a few years ago." Rationale: This statement is significant because stroke is a known complication of sickle cell disease. SCD can lead to the occlusion of blood vessels, including those in the brain, resulting in stroke. Therefore, the nurse should assess for any neurological deficits and gather more information about the stroke episode to assess its severity and potential impact on the patient's current condition.
"I'm experiencing chest pain, fever, and cough." Rationale: Chest pain, fever, and cough are indicative of acute chest syndrome (ACS), which is a severe complication of SCD. ACS can lead to respiratory distress and is considered a medical emergency. The presence of these symptoms warrants immediate assessment and intervention, making choice D the correct answer.
Choice A rationale:
"I've been having vision problems lately." Rationale: Vision problems are not directly associated with complications of sickle cell disease (SCD)
SCD primarily affects the blood and vascular system, leading to symptoms such as anemia, pain crises, and organ damage.
Vision problems may be caused by other underlying conditions, but they are not a typical manifestation of SCD complications.
Choice B rationale:
"I've had delayed growth in my child." Rationale: Delayed growth in a child could be associated with SCD, as it may be a result of chronic anemia and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
However, it is not a direct clinical manifestation of complications.
Other more common complications, such as pain crises, acute chest syndrome, or organ damage, should be assessed first to determine the extent of the disease's impact on the patient's health.
Choice C rationale:
"I had a stroke a few years ago." Rationale: This statement is significant because stroke is a known complication of sickle cell disease.
SCD can lead to the occlusion of blood vessels, including those in the brain, resulting in stroke.
Therefore, the nurse should assess for any neurological deficits and gather more information about the stroke episode to assess its severity and potential impact on the patient's current condition.
Choice D rationale:
"I'm experiencing chest pain, fever, and cough." Rationale: Chest pain, fever, and cough are indicative of acute chest syndrome (ACS), which is a severe complication of SCD.
ACS can lead to respiratory distress and is considered a medical emergency.
The presence of these symptoms warrants immediate assessment and intervention, making choice D the correct answer.